Atlanta Braves Face Setback With Ha Seong-Kim's Injury After $20 Million Signing
The Atlanta Braves are already reeling from their worst season in seven years, and now their latest signing is facing a significant setback. Ha Seong-Kim, the team's newly acquired shortstop, suffered an injury that could keep him out for up to five months.
Kim's struggles began just one month after he signed a one-year, $20 million contract. The South Korean native injured his right middle finger while slipping on ice in Korea and will now be forced to miss time at the plate. This is not the first major issue the Braves have faced this offseason, as Ronald Acuna Jr., Spencer Strider, and Chris Sale all missed significant games due to injuries.
In response to Kim's injury, the Braves have announced that they will sign Jorge Mateo and Mauricio Dubon as primary backup options for shortstop. However, the team is also bringing back Luke Williams, an infielder who was cut loose just a few months ago after being cast off the 40-man roster. Despite a lackluster batting line of .212/.270/.280 over five major league seasons with multiple teams, Williams has re-signed with the Braves on a minor-league contract.
Williams' return to Atlanta comes at a time when the team is desperately searching for infield depth. The addition of Kim had been seen as a key move to shore up the position, but now his injury has put that plan in jeopardy. With Kim potentially missing five months of action, Williams may get another chance to prove himself and contribute to the Braves' lineup.
The Braves' struggles this offseason have already raised questions about their ability to contend in 2026. The team's recent performance, coupled with Kim's injury, adds to concerns that they may be heading into the new season without a clear plan at shortstop.
The Atlanta Braves are already reeling from their worst season in seven years, and now their latest signing is facing a significant setback. Ha Seong-Kim, the team's newly acquired shortstop, suffered an injury that could keep him out for up to five months.
Kim's struggles began just one month after he signed a one-year, $20 million contract. The South Korean native injured his right middle finger while slipping on ice in Korea and will now be forced to miss time at the plate. This is not the first major issue the Braves have faced this offseason, as Ronald Acuna Jr., Spencer Strider, and Chris Sale all missed significant games due to injuries.
In response to Kim's injury, the Braves have announced that they will sign Jorge Mateo and Mauricio Dubon as primary backup options for shortstop. However, the team is also bringing back Luke Williams, an infielder who was cut loose just a few months ago after being cast off the 40-man roster. Despite a lackluster batting line of .212/.270/.280 over five major league seasons with multiple teams, Williams has re-signed with the Braves on a minor-league contract.
Williams' return to Atlanta comes at a time when the team is desperately searching for infield depth. The addition of Kim had been seen as a key move to shore up the position, but now his injury has put that plan in jeopardy. With Kim potentially missing five months of action, Williams may get another chance to prove himself and contribute to the Braves' lineup.
The Braves' struggles this offseason have already raised questions about their ability to contend in 2026. The team's recent performance, coupled with Kim's injury, adds to concerns that they may be heading into the new season without a clear plan at shortstop.
Ha Seong-Kim injury 
: worst case scenario for Braves' 2026 hopes 
! They need Kim or backup plan B works or else... 
This seems like a setup for the team 2 tank in 2026 & build 4 the future. I'm not buying it, someone's gotta know the real plan behind these signings 
. Signing someone for 20 mil just to lose them to injury doesn't make sense 
. Maybe they shoulda thought of that before signing 
, another injury in the Braves' camp... think they're gonna make it to 2026 with all these player troubles 
. And they've already made some other moves, like bringing back Luke Williams... I'm not sure if he's gonna make a difference here 
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. Now they're scrambling to find backups and bringing back Luke Williams, who was cut loose just a few months ago 
. Can't wait to see how the season plays out... or should I say, can't wait to see if they can even make it past April 
what's going on with the Braves?? they just signed Ha Seong-Kim for like a ton of cash and now he's out for 5 months... that's so not good for their chances in 2026 
. but now it looks like Jorge Mateo and Mauricio Dubon are gonna step up instead 
. this injury is definitely putting a dent in my Braves hopes for next season 
.
This means Luke Williams will get another chance to prove himself 
I hope he can step up and deliver 
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. Hopefully, Kim recovers quickly and gets back in the game soon 
! In the meantime, I hope Jorge Mateo and Mauricio Dubon can step up and fill the void 
. Luke Williams might be a good backup option, but he's definitely not my first choice 
. Maybe this injury will be the wake-up call for Williams to prove himself and contribute to the team 
. But still, it's a tough road ahead for the Braves 
The Braves' 2026 prospects just got a lot more uncertain 
Ronald Acuna Jr., Spencer Strider, Chris Sale all missed significant games... it's starting to look like the Braves just can't get healthy right now 
I don't get why teams can't just sign these players without injuries happening